Chairing an AA Meeting: Sobriety Guidelines & Role Readiness

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has no formal sobriety requirement to chair a meeting, but strong informal norms exist.

Common Practice

• Suggested Minimum: 6 months continuous sobriety (per AA Tradition 2: "Our leaders are but trusted servants").
• Rationale: Chair needs stability to maintain meeting format, model recovery, handle disruptions, and share experience (not opinion).
• Group Autonomy (Tradition 4): Each group decides; some require 1 year, others accept willingness.

Chair Responsibilities

• Open/close on time; read preamble, traditions, "How It Works"
• Select topic/speaker; manage sharing time
• Maintain focus on recovery (not therapy, politics, outside issues)
• Handle disruptions calmly; ensure safety
• Welcome newcomers; announce anniversaries

Readiness Self-Assessment

Before volunteering, ask:

• Is my sobriety solid enough to not be triggered by others' shares?
• Can I listen without fixing or judging?
• Do I understand AA traditions (especially 5, 10, 11)?
• Am I willing to serve, not lead?

If unsure, co-chair with an experienced member first. Service enhances the chair's own recovery.